I just went through the same thing, ended up buying the G2N but if I had to do over it would have been the G3N. After thinking about everything the G3N will be supported longer with updates, if Humminbird was to come out with a version of Livescope it would be closer to being compatible, increased power for better range and I've read better target separation in SI and DI and a year more warranty. I bought a G2N when it first came out and was using with older core units so I don't chase the latest greatest every year so I'm planning on using what I've got for years so over time the 500 more really isn't a lot more.